Press Releases

Chairman Roe : ‘A lot of people are struggling right now'

Washington, D.C. - Today, Chairman Phil Roe, M.D. (R-Tenn.) appeared on KCBS’s Rebecca Carrol Show to discuss the processing issues with the Forever GI Bill and his efforts to ensure that veterans receive the housing allowances they deserve.

The Chairman started the interview by highlighting the purpose of the Forever GI Bill.

“The Post 9/11 GI Bill was expanded for a lifetime benefit, it is a phenomenal benefit. I used the GI Bill when I got out of the military mid 70’s, very much appreciative of that. I didn’t have a hiccup with it when I got mine. This one now also purple heart winners who maybe have not served as long a time, if you shed blood for the country, I felt, and the Committee felt and Congress felt you should earn the GI Bill for a lifetime.”

He continued on, and explained how the processing issue with the GI Bill has resulted in many student veterans not receiving the correct amount of funding.

"In August [ VA ] said ‘there may be a hiccup, it may be in two weeks.’ Let me just cut straight to the chase, so there are veterans out there that are listening. One, probably all of you are being paid the wrong amount, the one percent increase nobody is getting.”

He went on to note that VA assured the committee that once the problem is fixed student veterans will receive the correct funds.

"The good news is, eventually, if you’ve been overpaid they are not going to claw back their money – you keep what you got. If you’ve been underpaid you will get your money.”

Chairman Roe then shared the number that impacted student veterans can call, 1-888-442-4551 and concluded that he is committed to ensuring VA resolves the problem and that impacted student veterans receive the benefits they deserve.

“A lot of people are out there struggling right now and we are leaning on [ VA ] as hard as we can. And, it is not the money. The money is there, appropriated, and this bill is fully paid for.”